F-1 Students
Yes. The ICE guidance updated on July 15, 2020 continues to provide provisions for F-1 students to enroll in classes delivered in an online format due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yes. Students can take classes from abroad and still maintain their immigration status.
No. The guidance rescinded on July 14 cancels this requirement.
As long as you are registered for a full-time course load (12 units for undergrads, 6 units for graduates) your immigration status is active.
You must ensure you have applied for a grad check through the registrar’s office, then submit a Reduced Course Load (RCL) request through CISP's Online Service Request. CISP will be able to maintain your SEVIS record based on these two actions.
Yes. The campus is delivering all classes online with a few exceptions to labs and some music classes.
If you are planning to take classes at CSUSB, your SEVIS record must first be transferred so you can maintain your immigration status.
We recommend you enroll in your fall courses to maintain your status while you are here in the U.S. Keep checking flights and leave as soon as you are able to. You must continue to take your classes to keep your SEVIS active.
No. The ICE guidance updated on July 15, 2020 continues to provide provisions for F-1 students. The five-month temporary absence provision will not apply for students who remain in active status.
At this time, it is hard to determine if there will be an impact on the OPT program. Please stay posted on any regulation updates.
J-1 Students
No. J-1 students’ regulations are governed by the Department of State Exchange Programs (DOS).
Yes. DOS allows for online courses; however, recommends that students in initial status abroad not have an active SEVIS record.
Yes. If you have an active SEVIS record, you can take classes online while here in the U.S.
Unfortunately, no. The DOS requires original signatures on DS 2019 forms for formal visa processing or travel signatures.
Guidance for the J-1 Student is available on the Department of State’s Website, https://j1visa.state.gov/covid-19/
A J-1 visa holder has a 30-day grace period to leave the U.S. after the program ends or the program end date listed on the DS-2019, whichever comes first.
Yes, you should be able to return the U.S. with a valid visa stamp. It is always recommended to check with local Embassies and Consulates Offices to ensure there are no travel restrictions when planning to return to the US.
As you long as you are registered and attending classes, have a valid DS-2019 with a travel signature, and have a valid visa stamp you should have no issues returning to the U.S. It is always recommended to check with local Embassies and Consulates Offices to ensure there are no travel restrictions when planning to return to the US.